Grandview Park- Trail Running

Review

Intro

Grandview Park, a former West Virginia State Park that was consolidated into the New River Gorge National River, is a great area for beginning trail runners. While the park has a total of 7 trails, only 2 are suitable for trail running. The other 5 involve scrambling over rocks along the edge of the New River Gorge. The recommended running trails are set back from the Gorge in rolling, woodland hills teeming with wildlife.

What Makes It Great

Grandview’s trails are great for all levels of runners, though might be too short if you are looking for a long workout. The Big Buck Trail, the longer of the running trails at just less than a mile, begins with a weaving run up a forested hill on a mix of hard-packed dirt and grass. For nature lovers, there are informative signs along the trail that talk about the native trees and shrubs. The trail then descends into a valley between 2 ridges, where the terrain becomes moderately rocky with scattered and exposed roots. After a gradual climb back up a hill, the trail remains flat until you finish the loop.

The shorter Woodland Loop Trail makes a semicircle from the parking area to an intersection with the Big Buck Trail at the very end. This wide trail takes you up a densely forested hill full of pine, weaving back and forth until heading down a solitary switchback. Cross a bridge that spans a small creek at the bottom of the switchback and continue straight across a ridge until you finish at a picnic shelter.

Who is Going to Love It

Beginner trail runners will love the Big Buck Trail and the Woodland Loop Trail. Both are wide with smooth grass and hard-packed dirt surfaces. The trails are less than a mile each, so they can be run separately or tackled together for more mileage. Each path combines flat stretches, rolling hills, and steady ascents and descents to give a beginning runner experience with changing elevation while also exposing them to small doses of exposed rocks and roots.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

Grandview is easily accessible and the short drive, once off of the interstate, takes you through beautiful farmland with green, rolling hills. To reach Grandview, take Exit 129B off I-64 and turn right. You will reach the park in 5 miles. Once inside the park, continue straight to reach the main overlook off the New River Gorge, or turn left to get to the running trails. The road will split shortly after you turn. Turn left again and continue straight until you come a playground with picnic shelters. There is plenty of parking, and no entrance fee.